Max's defeat wasn't because Tyranitar was weaker than Aerodactyl but because of the timing of his entry into the battle.
If Tyranitar hadn't been worn down earlier and faced Aerodactyl in peak condition, the outcome could have been entirely different.
However, as the captain of Imperial University's team, Max's loss delivered a blow to his side's morale.
Some Shu University supporters, who had already been badmouthing Imperial University, seized the moment to mock them, claiming even their captain was "nothing special."
After Max stepped down, the fifth competitor for Imperial University was a 4th-year Water-type trainer, Finn.
Finn sent out his Gyarados, which was at the peak of pseudo-Elite level. Unfortunately, he didn't have a Mega Stone, so Gyarados couldn't unleash its full potential.
A few minutes later, Gyarados fell to Aerodactyl's sharp claws.
Carter had now defeated two competitors from Imperial University, one of them being the team captain. This bolstered Shu University's momentum even further.
But their excitement was short-lived.
When Imperial University's sixth competitor, Julian, stepped onto the field, the ecstatic expressions on Shu University supporters' faces froze instantly.
In their excitement, they had completely forgotten about this "inhuman" individual.
The memory of Julian's Metagross defeating eight opponents in a row yesterday was still fresh in everyone's minds.
"Don't panic! What if that Metagross didn't come out of yesterday's battles unscathed? It might still be recovering today."
"Carter's Aerodactyl can still Mega Evolve. There's a chance for a comeback!"
"If Julian doesn't use Metagross and wins with another Pokémon, I'll livestream myself kissing a Jynx!"
"Guys, take my advice—just give up now."
As Julian reached the battlefield, his hand moved toward Metagross's Poké Ball on his belt. However, another Poké Ball at his side began to shake violently.
Julian paused, momentarily surprised, as the shaking intensified.
"Alright, seems like you're eager to make your official debut today"
Julian said softly. He grasped the trembling Poké Ball, and it instantly calmed down.
"Go, Melmetal!"
Everyone had expected Julian to send out his signature Metagross against Carter's Aerodactyl, which boasted Elite-level strength.
Instead, he summoned a Pokémon no one had ever seen before.
It had a body like flowing silver liquid, with several hexagonal bolts adorning it.
'What in the world is 'that' Pokémon?'
Immediately, a single thought raced through the crowd:
This must be an undiscovered Pokémon. A brand-new species.
"Whoa! Has anyone seen this Pokémon before?"
"Could it be like Slowking—a brand-new evolutionary form of an existing species?"
"This silver body must mean it's a Steel-type Pokémon."
"Anyone knowledgeable care to explain?"
"All of you so-called experts, and no one has a clue?"
Not only were the spectators utterly confused, but even Ben and Lisa, seated on the podium, were left scratching their heads over Julian's Pokémon.
The only one showing a glimmer of recognition was Jose, the president of the Haitian City Trainers' Association, who wore a thoughtful expression.
Just then, an official comment popped up in the livestream chat:
"Melmetal, Steel-type, Mythical Pokémon"
At the same time Jose also stood up, slamming the table with excitement as he exclaimed, "I know what this Pokémon is! It's Melmetal, no doubt about it!"
"Just a month ago, 'Pokémon Monthly' reported that Wyvernia discovered Melmetal in their Steel-type secret realm. Despite not reaching Elite-level strength, its life energy already matches that of an Elite-level Pokémon. It even possesses a unique force of laws absent in ordinary Pokémon."
"They named it Melmetal and found it to be the evolved form of Meltan. However, the exact method of its evolution remains unknown."
"Their Steel-type Elite has a Meltan, which is likely tied to their research."
Whenever a new Pokémon is discovered, it must first be reviewed and approved by the World Trainers' Association before being officially recorded.
Only then is its data released to the public and added to educational materials.
However, as Melmetal was a recent discovery and a Mythical Pokémon, the review process had been notably slow.
Thus, as of today, no official information about Melmetal had been made public.
Jose only knew about it because he regularly read 'Pokémon Monthly', which had documented Wyvernia's preliminary research on Melmetal.
Since 'Pokémon Monthly' was an academic publication, it wasn't something the general public typically read—it was too complex and, frankly, boring.
"President Jose, are you saying that silver Pokémon is a Mythical Pokémon?" Lisa asked, her mouth agape in disbelief.
Legendary Pokémon and Mythical Pokémon were entities that surpassed ordinary Pokémon and even pseudo-Legendaries in every way.
The most well-known Legendary Pokémon included the Legendary Birds and the Regi Trio, while Mythical Pokémon like Shaymin and Celebi represented their category.
Now, a new Mythical Pokémon had joined their ranks—Melmetal.
"Yes, Last month's 'Pokémon Monthly' included detailed documentation on it. I expect the World Trainers' Association will soon make Melmetal's existence public."
Faced with a Mythical Pokémon they had never seen before, everyone stared wide-eyed at Melmetal, as though trying to memorize every detail of its form.
"Julian's really good at keeping secrets. If it were me, I would've revealed this Pokémon ages ago."
"I'm from the Wyvernia. For the sake of international friendship, I hope Julian can return Melmetal to us!"
"Our friends from the Wyvernia are absolutely right. On behalf of Drakoria and Julian, I apologize."
"What century is this? Still herding sheepdogs?"
"Sorry, everyone, I didn't keep it leashed properly. Let me get it back before it causes more trouble."
"Yeah, better tie it up. If I see it again, I'll deal with it myself."
That person was immediately met with a wave of backlash from countless viewers online.
"Mel! Mel!~"
Appearing openly for the first time in front of such a massive audience, Melmetal was overjoyed. It struck a series of bodybuilding poses, flexing its silver limbs.
This unexpected display instantly took away some of the awe and mystery surrounding its status as a Mythical Pokémon.
"Hahaha, it's so funny!"
"Why does it look so goofy?"
"Melmetal: Mythical Pokémon, nice to meet you!"
On the Imperial University side, everyone was equally shocked that Julian possessed a Mythical Pokémon. Julian's cousin, Thea, clenched her fists in frustration.
"That guy kept it a secret from even me! So unfair!"
"Maybe he didn't tell you because he knew you might spill the beans," Faye kindly suggested.
"Impossible! I'm known for being tight-lipped," Thea said with a serious expression.
Faye held her tongue but couldn't help complaining in her heart.
'Tight-lipped? Please. If Julian told you he had a Mythical Pokémon, you'd tell me the next second and ask me not to tell anyone.'
'Then I'd tell our other sisters and ask them not to tell anyone else.'
'And before long, the whole world would know Julian had Wyvernia's newly discovered Mythical Pokémon.'
*****
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